The Kano Zone of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed concern over the alleged victimisation of its members in some universities in the zone. Prof. Abdulkadir Muhammad, the Zonal Coordinator, described the development as a “gross violation” of university rules and regulations.
Muhammad alleged that 120 ASUU members have been unjustly dismissed in Kogi State University (KSU) in the last seven years for demanding better working conditions and welfare packages. He added that the affected members sought legal redress, but the court ruled against them.
The ASUU-Kano Zone is disturbed by the “travesty of justice” in the judgement delivered against its innocent members. The union will continue to explore all legal avenues to ensure the reinstatement of the sacked members in KSU.
Muhammad also alleged that the Chairperson and Vice Chairperson of the union in Lagos State University (LASU) were illegally dismissed in September 2017 for insisting on due process. He claimed that the Secretary and Assistant Secretary were also dismissed in September 2019 for requesting the reversal of a wrongful promotion.
In Ebonyi State University (EBSU), the immediate past Chairperson of the Branch was suspended for convening a meeting of ASUU’s Ethics Committee. The Branch Chairperson was also suspended for convening an online meeting to convey the union’s resolutions to members.
Muhammad described these violations as a “clear violation of the fundamental right to freedom of association” as enshrined in the Nigerian Constitution. He frowned at the dehumanisation, denial of promotion, non-payment of backlogged salaries, and denial of freedom of assembly and association for union members.
The ASUU-Kano Zone called on the respective university administrations, Governing Councils, and Visitors to respect university laws and the freedom of assembly and association. They urged the authorities to recall all illegally suspended members and reinstate those unjustly dismissed.
The alleged victimisation of ASUU members is not peculiar to KSU, LASU, and EBSU but is also obtainable in many other universities. The union expressed displeasure over the alleged increased violation of fundamental human rights and all forms of victimisation in many public universities.
Muhammad alleged that the victimisation is mainly perpetrated silently by university administrations and, at times, open endorsement of the Chairmen of the Governing Councils and Visitors.
The ASUU-Kano Zone will continue to fight for the rights of its members and ensure that justice is served. The union urged the government to intervene and address the alleged victimisation of its members.
The development has sparked concerns about the state of academic freedom and the welfare of university staff in Nigeria. The ASUU-Kano Zone’s allegations highlight the need for urgent attention to address the alleged victimisation of university staff.
The union’s call for an end to victimisation and the reinstatement of unjustly dismissed members is a step towards ensuring academic freedom and the welfare of university staff.
The government’s response to the allegations will be crucial in addressing the concerns of the ASUU-Kano Zone and ensuring that justice is served.
The development has also sparked debate about the role of university administrations and Governing Councils in addressing the welfare of staff and ensuring academic freedom.
The ASUU-Kano Zone’s allegations highlight the need for a thorough investigation into the alleged victimisation of university staff and the need for urgent action to address the concerns.
